Building lattices and zeta functions (Q2174109)

The Ihara zeta function, an analog of the Selberg zeta function for \(p\)-adic groups of split rank one, was generalized to higher rank \(p\)-adic groups in [\textit{A. Deitmar} and \textit{M. Kang}, Ill. J. Math. 58, No. 3, 719--738 (2014; Zbl 1377.11102)]. In the present paper, the corresponding generalization to locally finite affine buildings is given. The first approach taken involves a Lefschetz (type of) formula, which is stated and proven in Section 2.3 as a local-global formula for the action of a lattice on the building. It is unconventional in the sense that it did not arise using cohomology. With this, a several variable zeta function is obtained (Section 2.4), which gives a higher rank generalisation of the Ihara zeta function. In Section 3, a different and completely geometric approach is taken to go to higher rank (simplicial) affine buildings, following Bass's approach to the Ihara zeta function in the rank 1 case. The connection with the above Lefschetz formula is explained (Section 3.2).